Best Water Face Serums of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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Water face serums are a lightweight, fast-absorbing skincare product that delivers a high concentration of active ingredients directly into the skin. They are designed to hydrate, brighten, and improve the overall appearance of the skin. With a water base, they are perfect for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. These serums can be used as a standalone treatment or layered with other skincare products for added benefits. Whether you're looking to combat dryness, uneven skin tone, or fine lines, water face serums are a versatile addition to any skincare routine.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum Cover #TOP 1
LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover #TOP 2
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.7
SKINFOOD Rice Daily Serum Cover #TOP 3
SKINFOOD Rice Daily Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Water Face Serums

#TOP 1

LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum

2569796
Clear
LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum Cover
LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum: Hydrating Face Serum with Peptide & Green Tea Enzyme to Improve Skin Firmness & Radiance

The LANEIGE Blue Hyaluronic Serum is designed to deeply hydrate your skin using a unique blue hyaluronic acid, which is fermented with deep sea algae and refined through a special process to absorb quickly and keep your skin moisturized for hours. It also contains peptides that help your skin look firmer, giving you a more youthful appearance. Additionally, the green tea enzyme gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells to reveal a smoother, softer texture. This serum is suitable for all skin types and helps tackle dryness, dullness, and uneven skin texture, making it a great choice to refresh and improve your skin’s overall look.

What We Like
Long-lasting hydration
Improves skin firmness
Gentle exfoliation
Suitable for all skin types

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum

OC-CSNI-EU10
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum - with Pro-Vitamin B5 & Glycerin, Instantly Replenishes & Smooths Dry Skin with 24-Hour Weightless Hydration, 1 fl. oz.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a daily facial serum that deeply quenches dry skin with a 17% Hydration Complex, delivering both high and low weight hyaluronic acid to instantly hydrate and leave skin feeling supple and refreshed. Suitable for all skin types, it is proven to smooth skin and hydrate for 24 hours, making it the perfect addition to your hydrating skincare routine.

What We Like
Lightweight and fragrance-free
Effective hydration for dry skin
Contains vitamin B5 for enhanced results
Quick absorption into the skin
#TOP 3

SKINFOOD Rice Daily Serum

SKINFOOD 1957
SKF67658
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
SKINFOOD Rice Daily Serum Cover
SKINFOOD Rice Serum, 48 Hours Fermented Rice Water Skincare Korean Serum for Face, Korean Rice Skincare for Natural Glow Glass Skin, Pore Minimizer, Rice Water Bright, 55ml/1.86fl.oz.

SKINFOOD Rice Serum offers a unique blend of Icheon rice and premium ingredients to help you achieve a radiant, glass-like complexion. This serum targets multiple skin concerns, including pore size and elasticity, providing a smoother, more refined appearance. Packed with nutrients, it deeply hydrates your skin, ensuring it stays moisturized and healthy. Additionally, the formula works to reduce dark spots, enhancing your skin's overall clarity. Incorporating this serum into your routine can elevate your skincare experience and bring out your skin's natural beauty.

What We Like
Minimizes pores
Deeply hydrating
Reduces dark spots
Enhances skin clarity
#TOP 4

Bubble Water Slide Hydrating Serum

Bubble Skincare
108006
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Bubble Water Slide Hydrating Serum Cover
Bubble Skincare Water Slide Hyaluronic Acid Serum - Hydrating Face Serum for Skin Barrier Repair - Helps Reduce Signs of Redness & Revitalizes Dryness - Suitable for All Skin Types (30ml)

The Bubble Hydrating Serum is designed to boost your skin's hydration effectively. With its unique milky-gel texture, this serum absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth without any sticky residue. It features squalane, which helps lock in moisture and strengthen your skin's barrier. Additionally, the combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid revitalizes your skin with every drop. The inclusion of peptides and ceramides not only enhances moisture but also helps reduce redness, promoting a more even skin tone. Use it after toner and before moisturizer for optimal results.

What We Like
Lightweight, non-sticky formula
Strengthens skin barrier
Reduces redness
Quick absorption

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

10013
Hydrating Serum
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Hydrating Face Moisturizer For Dry Skin, Oil-Free Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer, 1 FL OZ

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a unique face serum formula that delivers higher hydration levels for skin that glows day after day. It contains hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture and locks it in. The gentle hydrating formula is both oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores. The serum absorbs quickly to quench skin and addresses the root cause of dryness to deliver hydration. Complete your at-home skincare routine with this facial serum and pair it with other products from the Neutrogena Hydro Boost collection.

What We Like
Lightweight hydration
Non-greasy texture
Soft, pleasant fragrance
Quick absorption
Suitable under makeup
#TOP 6

Mamaearth Rice Water Face Serum

8904417314267
Mamaearth Rice Water Face Serum Cover
Mamaearth Rice Water Face Serum | 10% Niacinamide & 98% Pure Rice Water | Hydrates, Evens Skin Tone & Improves Skin Texture | Lightweight & Fast-Absorbing | For All Skin Types | 1.69 Fl Oz (50ml)

The Mamaearth Rice Water Serum is designed to nourish and improve your skin’s overall health. Infused with rice water, it delivers essential vitamins and amino acids that help soften and refresh your skin. This lightweight serum absorbs quickly, providing deep hydration without feeling greasy, which keeps your skin smooth and comfortable all day. It also contains niacinamide, a powerful ingredient that helps reduce pores, control excess oil, and even out your skin texture for a clearer, balanced look. Plus, it’s gentle enough for daily use on all skin types, including sensitive skin, making it a convenient addition to your skincare routine.

What We Like
Hydrating formula
Niacinamide for pore refining
Lightweight and fast-absorbing
Gentle for all skin types
Free from harmful toxins

Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

3337875543248
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum Cover
VICHY Mineral 89 Fortifying & Hydrating Daily Skin Booster, Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum For Face, Plumps & Hydrates, Repairs Skin Barrier, Lightweight Moisturizing Gel, Fragrance Free & Oil-Free

Vichy Mineral 89 is a bestselling facial serum that is designed to strengthen and repair your skin barrier with pure hyaluronic acid and 15 mineral-rich Vichy Volcanic Water. This daily hydrating and plumping booster is clinically tested by dermatologists on women worldwide, making it safe and effective for all skin types. The fragrance-free formula of only 11 ingredients is alcohol-free and silicone-free, making this lightweight and fast-absorbing translucent booster a convenient addition to your skincare routine. Additionally, the product is accepted by the National Eczema Association.

What We Like
Formulated with pure hyaluronic acid and 15 mineral-rich Vichy Volcanic Water to strengthen and repair your skin barrier
Clinically tested by dermatologists on women worldwide, making it safe and effective for all skin types
Fragrance-free formula with only 11 ingredients that is alcohol-free and silicone-free, making it lightweight and fast-absorbing
#TOP 8

ZannWnm Salmon Anti-Wrinkle Serum 50ml

ZannWnm
ZannWnm Salmon Anti-Wrinkle Serum 50ml Cover
2Pcs Salmon Anti-Wrinkle Serum, Hydrating Radiant Serum for Face, Water Light Essence Firming & Support Skin Barrier, Facial Essence for Women, All Skin Types, 50ML(1.76 Fl Oz)

The ZannWnm Salmon Serum is designed to help you fight signs of aging by restoring and repairing your skin from within. It locks in moisture and boosts skin elasticity, giving you firmer, smoother skin. This serum deeply hydrates and nourishes your skin, making it softer and relieving dryness without leaving any heavy or sticky residue. Its gentle formula works daily to reduce the appearance of fine lines, support your skin’s natural barrier, and promote a more even complexion. Lightweight and quick to absorb, this serum is perfect for keeping your skin radiant and healthy every day.

What We Like
Anti-aging repair
Deep hydration
Lightweight texture
Supports skin barrier
Easy absorption
#TOP 9

ClarityRx Daily Dose Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Clear
ClarityRx Daily Dose Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover
ClarityRx Daily Dose of Water Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face, Natural, Plant-Based Daily Anti Aging Hydrating Serum Treatment for Dry, Dull Skin, No Parabens, All Skin Types

The ClarityRx Hydrating Serum is designed to deeply moisturize dry and dull skin, helping you reduce the appearance of fine lines and dryness for a smoother, healthier look. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly, so you won’t experience any sticky feeling, making it perfect to use under makeup or after treatments. This gentle serum works well on all skin types, including sensitive and oily skin, by locking in moisture and making your skin feel plumper and softer. Plus, it’s free from parabens, fragrances, and harsh ingredients, providing a clean and safe option for daily skin care that helps improve your skin’s overall health with regular use.

What We Like
Deep hydration
Lightweight, non-sticky
Suitable for all skin types
Free from harsh chemicals
Reduces fine lines

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Moisturizer for Face

JOBN7
Night Pressed Serum
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Moisturizer for Face Cover
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum - with Hyaluronic Acid & Antioxidants, Hydrating Face Moisturizer that Restores & Revitalizes Skin Overnight, for Normal to Extra Dry Skin, 1.7 oz

Get ready to wake up to smooth, supple skin with Neutrogena Night Moisturizer. This 1.7-ounce jar of concentrated hyaluronic acid serum rapidly restores and revitalizes your skin overnight, providing 3x more hydration. The serum melts into your skin, instantly hydrating deep within your skin's surface. It restores your skin's moisture barrier overnight with purified hyaluronic acid and supercharged antioxidants to help fight daily aggressors. This hydrating serum is suitable for all skin types, non-greasy, non-comedogenic, oil-free, and alcohol-free. Incorporate it into your daily at-home hydrating skincare routine by applying it generously to your face and neck and leaving it on overnight. Designed with the Earth in mind, the carton is easy to recycle, with no window or plastic tray.

What We Like
3x more hydration
Restores moisture barrier
Non-greasy and non-comedogenic
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are water based face serums?

Water based serums have a lighter gel like texture and absorb quicker into the skin for active ingredients to go to work! Water based serums usually contain a base of H2O or aloe. These products are targeted for high amounts of vitamin c or hyaluronic acid.

2. Is oil based or water based serum better?

Water-based serums absorb much more quickly into the skin, so it is easier to apply makeup on top of a water-based serum, hence they work well in the mornings. Oil-based serums could be used at night, oils take longer to soak into the skin, but will leave your skin revitalised in the morning.

3. When should I use water based serum?

Time of use If you are applying your serum in the morning, a water-based serum may be a better choice. Water-based serums absorb much more quickly into the skin than do oil based serums and it is easier to apply makeup on top of a water-based serum.

Editor's Notes

During our water face serum research, we found 48 water face serum products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 355,917 customer reviews through our big data system to write the water face serums list. We found that most customers choose water face serums with an average price of $19.58.

The water face serums are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of water face serums, including LANEIGE, Neutrogena, SKINFOOD 1957, Bubble Skincare, MAMAEARTH. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.